Market Founder Lucy’s Pivotal Role in Town Centre’s Revival is Celebrated

A determined market founder credited as a driving force in transforming Bathgate town centre has been named a High Street Hero.

Lucy Lawson is the director of Unicorn Markets CIC, which has revived the town’s Saturday market.

Not only does it provide a platform for 30 local traders – attracting more than 1,000 visitors every week – but it has revitalised a derelict former train-station car park plagued by anti-social behaviour into a “booming” retail destination.

And judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards chose her as this year’s High Street Hero for Central Scotland and Lothians West after hearing how the market is not only a standalone success, but benefiting the whole town centre.

One of the social entrepreneur’s nominations stated: “Lucy is the definition of a High Street Hero, combining immense personal sacrifice with elite strategic vision. She has single-handedly transformed Bathgate’s town centre, reversing declining high street footfall.

“By physically reclaiming and regenerating a derelict car park previously plagued by fires and anti-social behaviour, her vision has eliminated a major urban eyesore, restoring civic pride and public safety to the heart of the community.

“Economically, the market acts as a low-barrier business incubator that anchors wealth locally. Multiple grassroots businesses have successfully transitioned from market pitches into permanent bricks-and-mortar storefronts within the town centre, directly lowering vacancy rates and generating permanent employment.”

Lucy was presented with her prize by Councillor Susan Manion, West Lothian Council’s portfolio holder for the economy, community empowerment and wealth building, and congratulated by Bathgate MSP Pauline Stafford.

Reacting to her award, she said: “I’m really honoured to receive this award. I couldn’t have brought Bathgate Market to life without our amazing traders, my brilliant team of staff and volunteers, and the support of our community.

“Everyone who gives their time, shops with us or helps spread the word plays a part in making the market what it is. I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together, and this award is something for all of us to celebrate.”

The market, off Whitburn Road opened in June 2023 after Lucy, from Bathgate, spent the final year at university negotiating a site lease, then leading work to clear the site, working with volunteers including West Lothian Litter Pickers to clear mess including shards of glass from the car park to make it safe.

As well as the weekly markets, she has also created a series of special events, including summer night markets, seasonal holiday markets and even a specialised equestrian market funding equine welfare charities.

Lucy’s High Street Hero award was presented at Bathgate Market.

Councillor Manion said: “Huge congratulations to Lucy and her team on this well-deserved win as a Scotland Loves Local High Street Hero.

“Lucy showed incredible hard work and determination to bring back Bathgate Market and Car Boot Sale as a social enterprise.

“The market has turned an empty site back into productive use, boosted visitor numbers and the local economy and helped provide opportunities for other local businesses.”

Pauline Stafford said: “I am delighted to see Lucy’s achievements recognised. Through her tenacity, vision and passion, she has successfully re-established Bathgate’s much-loved market, bringing fresh energy and vibrancy to the town centre.

“By championing local producers, helping traders grow into permanent high street premises, supporting wider town centre events and promoting Bathgate far and wide on social media, Lucy has made a lasting impact.

“She brings exceptional leadership, creativity and innovation to everything she does, and this recognition is richly deserved.” 

The reach of Lucy’s work is growing.

She was recently awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship to study international market best practices across Germany and the USA and is currently speaking to market operators across Scotland to support that work.

Organised by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the Scotland Loves Local Awards recognise and reward all that’s great about the nation’s towns and neighbourhoods and the work to ensure they become stronger and more sustainable.

STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie said: “Huge congratulations to Lucy. Through vision, determination – and no short measure of resilience – she has not only helped transform a disused part of the town centre, but encourage local businesses with ripple effects through the entire community.”

High Street Hero Awards are presented in each of the eight Scottish Parliament regions.

Read more about the Scotland Loves Local Awards here.